The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Commander Leland Griffith Shaffer (NSN: 0-70219), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in connection with operations against the enemy in the Southwest Pacific from 29 January 1944 to 29 June 1945. As the SEVENTH Fleet Communications Officer Commander Shaffer planned the communications functions required for the successful amphibious landings which took place in the Admiralty Islands, along the Northern Coast of New Guinea, in the Moluccas, in the Philippine Islands, and in Borneo. He served aboard the Flagship of Commander SEVENTH Fleet during the operation against Leyte and Lingayen and during the battle for Leyte Gulf, and performed his duties while under enemy attack in a cool and courageous manner. During the period in which he served as Fleet Communications Officer, two major fleet radio stations were built, at Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea, and at Tolesa, Leyte, Philippine Islands which handled large volumes of traffic in an expeditious manner. His performance of duty throughout has been exemplary and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Commander Shaffer is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Leland Griffith Shaffer (NSN: 0-70219), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the line of his profession. Lieutenant Commander Shaffer served as Communication Officer on the Staff of the Commander North Pacific Force from February 1943 to October 1943. Throughout this period, while our forces moved steadily to the westward, until the last Japanese was driven from the Aleutians in August 1943, Lieutenant Commander Shaffer assisted in the planning for, and the execution of, all operations with respect to the preparation of communication plans, including coordination of basic and subsidiary plans. The formulation and execution of these plans required close liaison with surface and amphibious forces and United States Army air and ground forces. Lieutenant Commander Shaffer supervised the progress of procurement, installation, employment and upkeep of new type radio and radar equipment. He had direct charge of the development and operation of Radio Central at Adak during the expansion of that island to a major Aleutian base. He was a constant source of advice and counsel and maintained a highly successful liaison with Army communication personnel. He made a material contribution to the success of the Aleutian campaign. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.